Folkestone Book Festival 13-23 November

Big Names. Bold Ideas. Brilliant Stories: Folkestone Book Festival 2025 Revealed!
The secret’s out – and I’m so excited to finally share the programme for this year’s Folkestone Book Festival (13-23 November).
We’ve gathered a glittering line-up of writers, thinkers and performers, and there’s something for everyone. Joanne Harris returns with her long-awaited sequel to Chocolat, Lisa Jewell brings her latest twisty thriller, and Irvine Welsh promises an unfiltered conversation that picks up Trainspotting where he left off. Hollywood legend Rupert Everett, the incomparable Jung Chang (Wild Swans), former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, and the exonerated and endlessly fascinating Amanda Knox will all be appearing, alongside performance poet Harry Baker, Strictly star Rose Ayling-Ellis, Pop Idol winner Will Young – and many more.
A special highlight will be Kate Mosse, one of the UK’s most beloved historical novelists, whose event is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Book Festival.
And of course, it wouldn’t be Folkestone Book Festival without opportunities to get involved. Creative writing workshops, including sessions led by a Booker Prize winner, a children’s literary agent and a memoirist, will run throughout the festival, alongside the joyful Local Authors Talent Showcase, where our homegrown writers take centre stage.
Now’s the moment to spread the word. Tickets are on sale – and many events will sell fast. Book your seats, rally your book group, tell your friends, share the programme far and wide.
The full programme is online at creativefolkestone.org.uk/folkestone-book-festival, with printed copies available now from Quarterhouse and venues across town. The Creative Folkestone Book Festival pass is £140 for all events (excluding writing workshops).
I can’t wait to see you there.
Sophie Haydock, Curator, Folkestone Book Festival